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So you've decided to buy a St. Clair house! How exciting. Just one thing; You don't really have a lot of money saved up for your down payment. Nowadays, most lenders are asking for at least 20 percent down. And don't forget, the more you put down, the less you have to borrow and pay back, so in the long run, a big down payment is a good thing.

Here are a few ways you can get the money for your down payment:

1. Open a Savings Account: Put a little in there every week (or every time you get a paycheck), add things like your Christmas bonus, a big commission check, or the extra $10 you saved this week by making your own lattes, and before you know it, you'll have built up a nest egg to use as a down payment on the St. Clair home of your dreams.

2. Ask Your Relatives: Of course, we don't all have a wealthy maiden aunt about to shower us with down-payment funds, but maybe you can talk Mom and Dad into adding a bit to what you've saved up on your own (see number 1 above).

3. Sell an Asset: Got a boat, RV or extra car sitting around collecting dust that could be sold to add to your down-payment funding account? Don't forget, if you sell that antique car no one is allowed to drive, you'd also be saving on insurance and registration fees.

4. Liquidate Investments: If you happen to have some investments, now may be the time to liquidate them. If you have a stash of Savings Bonds, you may want to find out if they're still earning interest or if they've reached maturity and are ready to be cashed in and put to a better use.

5. Use Your Income Tax Refund: It is that time of year again when we have to file our income tax returns. If you're one of the lucky ones getting a tax refund this year, why not earmark it for use as the down payment on your new house?

6. Get a Second Job: Maybe you can work a few hours on the weekend at your local fast-food restaurant, collect aluminum and sell it to a recycling firm, babysit, have a giant garage sale, or sell cute little hand-made knitted baby garments online. Don't forget that every little bit you can save, earn or beg from your friends and relatives all adds up over time.